Alcohol
Frozen Raspberry Zabaglione on Meringues with Chocolate Sauce
Zabaglione is the Italian version of the foamy, custardy sauce known as sabayon in France. I found that freezing it for this dessert gave it a texture much like that of ice cream. For an extra-pretty presentation, garnish this with fresh raspberries, orange segments, mint leaves and additional sliced, toasted almonds.
Saffron and Leek Butter
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less but requires additional unattended time.
Brandied Dried Cranberries and Cherries
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. To accompany Ice-Cream Bombes with Brandied Dried Cranberries and Cherries
Rhubarb and Pear Compote
Any extras are great cold for breakfast. As an alternative to the vanilla ice cream, top with sour cream or lowfat yogurt for a lighter interpretation.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cakes
This is what Nutella would taste like in cake form; it was the first recipe Gina created for our original dessert menu.
By Mario Batali
Batter-Fried Zucchini Spears with Basil
The fennel mayonnaise below makes an excellent dip for these zucchini spears if serving them as an hors d'oeuvre.
Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.
Grilled Beef Steak Verciano
"My father was a grilling fanatic,: Sandra says. "I remember him standing over the barbecue in a terrible rainstorm one day when he just had to have grilled chicken. He named this marinade after the village in Italy where he grew up."
By Sandra Rudloff
New-Fashioned Apple Pie
By Debbie Fleming
Modern Mince Pie
This dessert, long favored by the British at holiday time, originally contained minced meat along with the fruits and spices. This version, more suited to the nineties table, is meatless and brimming with apples, dried fruit and lots of spices.